Today I want to address one of the largest triggers in addiction ~ stress! Everyone I talk to has 'tons' of stress issues: work, family, kids, money, cars, living situations, etc. I hate to point out the obvious, but you are stressing because you are tying to control things that you have no control over.

I'd have you embrace one of my favorite quotes ~ "you are a ghost driving a meat-coated skeleton made from stardust, riding a giant rock, that is hurtling through space, among billions of others doing the same ... fear NOTHING." You can easily replace fear with 'stress' in this example.

Another idea is "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. Today notice the solutions rather than the problems."

Try applying the WHOLE serenity prayer, and if you don't have it or don't know it I'll help you out ~

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference ... (here is the rest of the story) ... Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at at time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace (not a punishment), taking as Jesus did this sinful world as it it, not as I would have it (our greatest producer of unwanted moods). Trusting that you (being your higher power) will make all things right if I surrender to your will; so that I may be reasonable happy in this life and supremely happy with you in the next."

You are still here and kicking, which is a direct testomony that things normally workout and do so for the best. So YOU are creating your own stress, as the situation WILL workout and it will do so whether you stress or not! So CHOOSE to let it go, and focus on things you CAN control like: enjoying a sunrise or sunset, enjoying a cup of good coffee, laughing with your kids/spouse/friends, reading a good book, taking a walk or ride, star gazing, bird watching, painting/drawing, or whatever brings you happiness!

I love your write ups and look forward to reading them. Just read this one aloud to Dad! Glad you're taking time to post these! Love you!

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Chad

6/15/2015 09:19:14 am

Thanks mom! I just hope people get 'something' from it ... But it's something that I can't control, so I write'me and go on enjoying my day :). Love you too!

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jonathan bise

8/5/2015 10:43:38 am

chad I have been reading your blogs it helps a lot you have made me realize a lot thank you

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Chad

8/10/2015 01:49:21 am

Glad to be of some service my friend!!

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Jonathan bise

4/29/2016 02:10:54 am

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Thomas Harman, Jr.

6/2/2016 06:04:36 am

Chad, I look forward to having someone that see's recovery the way you do my friend I just hope you are willing to work / help me until my situation changes in July because I don't want to miss out on getting my life back to normal, whatever that means. I say that because it's been so long I don't remember the last day I got out of bed and felt good without having to take medication. That, is one of my goals. I'm glad for Suboxone is some ways though because it brought me back from the edge and gave me an understanding of who I am and what I can do. ~ Thomas H.

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Who am I?

I have been called "Sirthinkalot" and "The mender of souls." I am an addiction specialist and a full-time psychology student on the way to Dr. Davis in clinical psychology. I am currently crusading for the expedited paradigm shift in addiction recovery!